Kannur: The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) here will submit its study report on the water samples collected from the premises of the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala to the Kannur district collector on Thursday.
Local residents have been protesting in front of INA for the last one month alleging water contamination and foul smell in the area were due to the sewage treatment plant (STP) located on the INA campus. The water level at many wells in the area was reportedly raised by two to three metres at night when other places were facing shortage of water.
The district administration had sent a team to investigate the matter and also collected samples from the well inside the INA. Health Minister K K Shailaja also intervened and the samples were later sent to the CWRDM for advanced testing. “We are waiting for the report from the CWRDM and based on that, further steps will be taken,” said Kannur District Collector Mir Muhammed Ali.
The study was conducted by the water quality division of the CWRDM. The report is crucial to decide further action over the issue in the area adjacent to the INA.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, INA Public Relations Officer R. G. Ajith said that the INA would take further action based on the report. “Let the report come and then we will take our stand on the issue,” he added.
When the issue first surfaced in January, the INA had invited public representatives to visit their plant and explained the function. The representatives also expressed satisfaction with the working of the plant. However when the protest started a second time, no one turned out for the inspection despite the INA expressing willingness.
Sources close to the INA hinted that the officials may address the media or issue a press release after receiving the report.
